Graduate Student Resources

Academic Coaching: Work with an academic coach to create measurable plans to help you meet your academic goals. Access additional academic coaching resources.

• Location: FMH 360 (in-person & remote appointments available)

Disability Resource Center (DRC): Identifies, evaluates, and provides appropriate accommodations (e.g., deadline extensions, flexible attendance) for students with learning, physical, mental health, and chronic health disabilities. Also supports students with temporary disabilities (e.g., a broken arm).

• Location: SMSU 116

• Academic Testing Services (ATS): As part of the DRC, ATS provides equitable learning assessment, test proctoring support, and exam accommodations. Click here for student testing support FAQs.

PSU Library: Get help with research questions, searching research articles, and publishing your research.

• Check-out technology equipment (e.g., laptops, webcams, microphones)

• Consult with subject-specific librarians

• Access quiet study spaces and reserve study rooms

• Printing, scanning, and copying services

• Learning Center: Access various academic support resources, such as tools for study habits

• Location: 1875 SW Park Ave.

• Time: Click here for library hours

STEP Program: Provides SNAP-eligible students with individual case management services, focusing on retention, building career-relevant skills, graduation, and post-graduation employment readiness.

• Location: FMH 360

Writing Center: Helps writers at any stage of the writing process and with all varieties of projects, including class assignments, resumes, application essays, presentations, and creative writing. You can work with a writing consultant and access writing resources ether in-person or remotely.

• Location: Cramer 188 (in-person & remote appointments available)

• Time: By appointment

Basic Needs Hub: Central location for all concerns related to basic needs (e.g., food assistance, SNAP application assistance, housing resources, technology access)

• Location: SMSU 435

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

Food Assistance

• Emergency Meal Vouchers: Distributed during the academic year for use at Victor’s Dining Center in Ondine Hall (1912 SW 6th Ave)

  • Location: Obtain the vouchers at the Basic Needs Hub (SMSU 435)

  • Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

• Free Food Market: Free food–bring your own bag!

  • Location: South Park Blocks behind Shattuck Hall (1914 SW Park Ave.)

  • Time: Second Monday of each month, 9:30-11am

• PSU Food Pantry: Acquire free groceries (or donate)

  • Location: SMSU 47a (basement of SMSU)

  • Time: See website for updated schedule

• SNAP Application Assistance: Support applying to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families

PSU CARES: A resource team available to students experiencing various crises (e.g., mental health, financial, housing, academic, medical, family issues etc.). Students submit a CARE referral for themselves or someone else.

• Location: University Center Building, 300

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

Reuse Room: Acquire (or donate) used school, office and home supplies

• Location: Cramer Hall 180

Student Legal Services (SLS): Free legal assistance, representation, and advocacy from a team of attorneys on various legal matters, including bankruptcy, landlord/tenant issues, family and consumer law, etc.

• Location: SMSU M343 (mezzanine)

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

University Career Center: Provides resources and services to help students and alumni in all aspects of career preparation (e.g., explore career options, develop resumes/CVs, discuss professional goals, and search for employment). The Career Center also regularly hosts workshops/events and career fairs!

• Schedule a 50-minute in-person appointment or virtual/phone appointment

• For quick questions, drop-in appointments are available (M-Th, 2-3pm) in person and virtually (schedule 30-minute virtual drop-in)

• Location: University Career Center, FMH 342

• Time: M-F, 9am-5pm

Career Exploration by Major: Search for career path ideas by major.

Job & Internship Openings: Use Handshake to search career and internship opportunities available to PSU students.

Networking Resources: Take steps toward building your professional network!

Financial Wellness Resources & Services

Financial Wellness Center: Education, awareness, and 1-on-1 consultations (remote or in-person) with a financial wellness coach. Topics include financial concerns, resolving a debt owed to PSU, understanding the cost of college, budget planning, repairing credit, or repaying student loans.

• Location: FMH, Suite 130 (in-person or remote appointments available)

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

CashCourse: Online personal finance tools and skill-building materials, all geared toward students. CashCourse accounts are free for students!

Government Benefit Finder: Find government benefits and financial help 

Emergency Funds

Emergency Funds: Short-term financial assistance for students experiencing unexpected financial hardships are available through the General Student Emergency Fund (GSEF) and by college/department.

PSU Short Term Loans

• Actively enrolled students may receive short-term financial loans.

CLAS Student Hardship Fund & Last Mile Fund: Email Carol Gabrielli at cg@pdx.edu with your full name, major/minor, phone number, PSU ID, and a succinct summary of the circumstances that prompt your inquiry.

Graduate Retention & Completion Fund: Admitted graduate students with unexpected financial hardship may qualify for one-time tuition assistance from the Graduate School. Speak to your advisor if you'd like to be considered for the award

Scholarships & Funding

General Financial Aid & Scholarships: General financial aid information, including:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Additional scholarship opportunities

• Oregon Student Access Commission

• Native American Tuition Program (NATP)

Graduate School Funding: Information and resources for graduate students, including:

• Graduate-level scholarships

• Johns Hopkins graduate student funding opportunities

• Financial aid for undocumented and DACA students

Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC): Counseling, physical healthcare, and dental services under one roof. Students taking 5+ credits are eligible to use SHAC services regardless of type of health insurance coverage. 

• Location: University Center Building, Suite 200

PSU CARES: A resource team available to students experiencing various crises (e.g., mental health, financial, housing, academic, medical, family issues etc.). Students submit a CARE referral for themselves or someone else.

• Location: University Center Building, 300

• Time: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)

SHAC Emergency Mental Health Support: Crisis resources and hotlines for students in acute distress

Virtual MindSpa: Online resources for students to relax, rest, and access resources related to mental and physical wellbeing.

Mental Health Workshops and Group Counseling: Students can learn from peers and gain mental health support in group settings, facilitated by counselors.

• Drop-in groups and group counseling themes vary by term, so check the website for updates.

Campus Rec: Students taking at least one credit and paying tuition/fees are automatically Campus Rec members. The Rec includes a pool, weight lifting & cardio equipment, and offers

• group exercise classes

• aquatic activities

• indoor rock climbing

• personal training

• gymnasium courts (e.g., basketball, badminton, volleyball, etc.)

• Intramural sports & pickup-games

• Various recreational clubs (e.g., ballroom dance, karate, kickboxing, etc.)

• Location: Academic & Student Recreation Center, floors 2, 3, & 4

Outdoor Program: builds community and provides opportunities to explore local nature. You can also rent outdoor gear and gain certifications!

• Location: Outdoor Program Office, ASRC 180 (505 SW Harrison St.)

General 

Global Diversity & Inclusion (GDI): Serves and empowers student populations whose success, retention, academic success, and graduation are most challenged by socio-historical factors and contemporary inequities. Offers diversity and student support programming for students, faculty, and staff.

• Location: Richard & Maurine Neuberger Center (1600 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 830)

Office of Equity and Compliance (OEC): Investigates reports of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Ensures institutional adherence to federal & state laws on discrimination, harassment, equal opportunity, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Bias Review Team: Report incidents motivated by bias involving harassment, intimidation, offense, or insensitivity. You can file a complaint of discrimination/harassment with GDI, and/or file a report to the OEC.

Culture, Race, & Ethnicity

Diversity and Multicultural Student Services: Provides resources and support services to historically underrepresented students

• Location: SMSU 425

Dreamer Resource Center: Holistic support for immigrant-origin students and allies, including career readiness, financial aid, resource navigation, and community building.

• • Location: Cramer 428

Multicultural Retention Services (MRS): Academic support services to ensure the retention and graduation of students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or from diverse/multicultural backgrounds. Multicultural Student Services are available within the MRS department.

CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTERS

• Provide study spaces, resources, and extensive programming along with student leadership, employment, and volunteer opportunities

• Location: SMSU 228

  • La Casa Latina Student Center: Cultural resource center and physical space for Latinx/e students and allies to build community, develop leadership skills, and participate in cultural, social, and academic events.

    • Location: SMSU 228

  • Multicultural Student Center (MCC): Promotes cultural competency through student engagement, programming, events, and meaningful dialogue, focused on exploring intersectional identities (e.g., multiracial, international, and first-generation college student populations). Provides access to resources such as a computer lab, student leadership opportunities, and space to relax and study. Also offers opportunities to gain leadership experience through volunteer opportunities and paid employment.

    • Location: SMSU 235

  • Native American Student & Community Center (NASCC): Supports the retention and success of Native American, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, and other Indigenous students through student-led, community-centered programming.

    • Location: 710 SW Jackson St. Portland, OR 97210

  • Pacific Islander, Asian, and Asian American (PIAAA) Student Center: Supports the diverse needs of Asian and Pacific Islander communities through culturally responsive programming, community building, and social justice education

    • Location: SMSU 228

  • Middle East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA) Student Center: Cultural resource center and physical space for MENASA students to build community, develop leadership skills, and participate in cultural, social, and academic events.

    • Location: SMSU 238

  • The Pan-African Commons: A community space that supports students of African, Black American, Caribbean, and Afro-Latinx descent through cultural, academic, and professional programming. Resources include events like Black History Month and Ramadan celebrations, a computer lab, study and lounge spaces, a shared kitchen, and leadership opportunities.

    • Location: SMSU 236

Crisis Line for Racial Equity Support: Speak with counselors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or belong to other marginalized racial/ethnic groups

• Contact: (503) 575-3764

• Time: Monday-Friday; 8:30 AM -5:00 PM

Veterans

Veteran's Resource Center (VRC): Supports Veterans and Military-affiliated students by providing advocacy, guidance, and resources to help them thrive at PSU. The center offers quiet study spaces, a kitchen and food pantry, coffee, and knowledgeable staff to assist with all aspects of student veteran life.

• Location: SMSU 018 (basement)

Disability

Disability Resource Center (DRC): Identifies, evaluates, and provides appropriate accommodations (e.g., deadline extensions, flexible attendance) for students with learning, physical, mental health, and chronic health disabilities. Also supports students with temporary disabilities (e.g., a broken arm).

• Location: SMSU 116

• Academic Testing Services (ATS): As part of the DRC, ATS provides equitable learning assessment, test proctoring support, and exam accommodations. Click here for student testing support FAQs.

Gender & Sexuality

Queer Resource Center: Supports students across the gender and sexuality spectrum to eliminate barriers to belonging and academic success.

• Location: SMSU 458

Commission on Sexual & Gender Equity (SAGE): Provides leadership and advocacy as the initiative-based action team for the inclusion of underrepresented sexual and gender identities and expressions at Portland State University.

Women's Resource Center (WRC): A physical lounge, advocacy and programming including student empowerment workshops and resources, leadership programs; support and advocacy for students experiencing sexual violence or harassment. Offers events throughout the term.

• Location: SMSU 439

Housing Services

• central location for all concerns related to housing assistance

Graduate Student Housing (On Campus)

• Many options for on-campus housing across 7 residential buildings, including sleeper units, studios, and one-bedroom units.

• Location for Housing and Residence Life: Broadway Building, Room 210

Emergency Short-Term Housing

• Students may be eligible for 1-3 days of short-term housing.

ARCS Program

• The Affordable Rent for College Students (ARCS) program provides half-priced rent and a waiver of all entry barriers. 

College Housing Northwest

• Convenient, affordable housing for college students in Portland.

Utility Bill Grant Program

• Program with the Oregon Energy Fund to provide utility support. For more information, contact the Basic Needs Hub.

Campus Public Safety: Sworn police department providing 24/7 emergency response, support, and patrol. Will provide escort for students across campus or to car, bus, or MAX.

• Contact: Emergency (503) 725-5911; Non-emergency (503) 725-4407; Email cpso@pdx.edu

• Location: 633 SW Montgomery St.

Crisis Line for Racial Equity Support: Speak with counselors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or belong to other marginalized racial/ethnic groups

• Contact: (503) 575-3764

• Time: Monday-Friday; 8:30 AM -5:00 PM

Sexual & Relationship Violence Response Program: Addresses sexual violence by connecting students to resources, information, and trauma-informed support.

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 confidential support

• Confidential advocates are available for students experiencing sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment, or stalking (schedule an appointment).

Services for Students with Children: Central resource for services for students who have children

Resource Center for Students with Children (RCSC): Family rooms, consultation, free diapers & wipes, gently used clothing, and breast pumping kits

• Location: SMSU 462

Helen Gordon Child Development Center: On-campus childcare

Childcare Funding Resources: Funding resources for child care subsidies

• See also: Jim Sells Childcare Subsidy

New Baby Starter Pack: Diaper bag filled with newborn essentials for new and expecting PSU student parents

Lactation Spaces: More than 15 lactation rooms available across campus

• Location: See the map of Lactation Spaces

Pregnancy Support: Individual consultation for expecting students to receive support and advice regarding parenting, personal/family issues, child development, and resource access. Email sswc@pdx.edu to set up an appointment.

Student Pregnancy & Postpartum Assistance & Accommodations Policy: Supports and accommodations for students based on their pregnancy or postpartum circumstances

Family Friendly Rooms: Fun, inviting, and family-friendly spaces for children and families on campus

• Location: See the map of family-friendly spaces